Yale Student, Driver In Tailgate Party Death, Gets Probation

A U-Haul truck loaded with beer went out of control and killed a woman at a… (Ryan Bernat, Fox CT )

February 01, 2013|Staff report, The Hartford Courant

NEW HAVEN — The driver of a U-Haul truck loaded with beer that went out of control and killed a woman during a tailgate party at a Yale-Harvard football game in 2011 was granted a special form of probation Friday.

If Brendan D. Ross successfully completes two years of accelerated rehabilitation, misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and reckless endangerment will be dismissed, and eventually erased from his record.

The Missouri native and Yale senior also pleaded guilty to motor vehicle charges of traveling unreasonably fast and unsafe starting. Both charges are infractions, meaning the only penalty is a fine.

During his two years of accelerated rehabilitation, Ross must perform 400 hours of community service, said his lawyer, William F. Dow III. Ross also cannot drive for 90 days.

The accident occurred on Nov. 19, 2011, in a Yale Bowl parking lot that had been designated for tailgate parties. New Haven police said Ross was driving the U-Haul truck when it suddenly accelerated after turning into the lot and struck three women before colliding with other U-Haul trucks.

Nancy Barry, 30, of Salem, Mass., died from injuries she suffered in the accident. Sarah Short, a Yale School of Management student, and Elizabeth Dernbach, of Florida, also were injured in the crash.

Ross passed a field sobriety test after the crash, police said.

"Brendan Ross is an outstanding young man who was involved in a tragic accident," Dow said. "He will emerge from this without a criminal record, but the memory of that tragedy remains. Brendan and his family have extended their condolences to Ms. Barry's family when the accident occurred. Ms. Barry remains in their prayers."

Ross is grateful "for the compassion shown by the Barry family and the other victims," Dow said. "He appreciates the understanding approach taken by the state to resolve this case. As part of the resolution Brendan will dedicate himself to performing 400 hours of community service in honor of Ms. Barry. His pleas to the infraction will assist in resolving [the civil] aspects of this case."

After the accident, Yale banned kegs of beer at all university athletic events or functions and established new rules for tailgating, including setting up a new "vehicle-free area for student tailgating." Students who bring a car must park in another area, the university said.

The university also said large vehicles such as box trucks and certain commercial vehicles will not be allowed in university lots at athletic events, unless driven by a pre-approved, authorized vendor.

Student tailgating also must end at the opening kickoff of football games.